To commemorate Women’s History Month, we will be examining articles that allow us to reflect on the past, present, and future of women. We encourage you to read our summaries as well as the articles themselves and share this with your friends. If you want to learn more about the history of Women’s History Month, start here. If you have feedback or suggestions for future articles, contact Kate Mazzotta, Communications Manager, at kate@tgpdenver.org.

More than 50 countries around the world have banned the practice of female genital mutilation. The World Health Organization states that the practice has no health benefits, is dangerous, and is a violation of human rights.

Yet when a federal law banning genital mutilation was brought before district court Judge Bernard Friedman, he ruled that individual states, not Congress, should decide how to regulate the practice. Now, activists warn that tens of thousands of girls are at risk.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, however, says that the real number of girls at risk is over 500,000. 

Read the full story from Mother Jones here.

We’re choosing to celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day because, in addition to raising awareness around women’s issues, The Gathering Place helps women every day. We are metropolitan Denver’s only daytime shelter for women, children, and transgender individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. While we refer to those we serve as members, all of our programs and services are free, and they always will be.

Celebrate Women’s History Month by supporting the women we serve! Give now. And be sure to share this article with your friends so they can join the celebration.